Then I found these benches with one of my wholesale suppliers…. they were floor samples and wow were they a bargain!

I love the contrast of that shabby chippy farmhouse table with the tufted linen benches.

To avoid creating a visual barrier for this small space, I wanted an old bench for the other side of the table. However, finding an old 10' bench was no easy feat.

We looked.....and looked....and looked.....still no bench.

Just as we were preparing to build one, while fluffing displays at the Shoppe these slipcovered stools caught my attention.

There they were, right under my nose all the time.

The more I studied them, the more I thought…..that’s it!

They are the same seat size and height as chairs and they offer the “backless” quality I was seeking in a bench.

But, they offer so much more....

They have washable slipcovers,

they move independently,

they have padded seats,

and are on casters!

PERFECT!

And by the way, under those slipcovers you will find beautiful burlap upholstery.

They weren’t at all what I planned,

they are BETTER!

I love it when that happens.

:-))

This large 7' mirror with a distressed wood frame is perfection for this room. It not only enlarged the feel of the small space, it also gobbled up that huge wall that had no space for furniture.

Mirrors can take a room to places that no other decorative accent can, I love them!

And, there are my blue ceilings that we painted last year peeking through in the photo below.Several of my friends have jumped on board and painted their ceilings too! JI love blue ceilings.

We hung those huge corbels, (I shared with you last year HERE) in the doorway between the parlor and the dining room and they added so much charm.

I found these at a shop called JRNE in Terrell, owned by my sweet friend Cindy.

And my favorite detail in the room is that beautiful amazing painting which was painted and given to me by my precious friend, Patty Moore.

I fell in love with an oil painting by impressionistic painter, Robert Calcagno, when we were in High Point last year. But when we inquired to purchase it, I was so sad to learn it had already sold.

It was exactly what I had envisioned for our dining room.

(Do you build your rooms in your head too?)

Months later, when I still could not get it out of my mind, I mentioned it to my friend Patty who just happens to be an amazing artist. She said she was going to paint me something similar in acrylics.

I was moved to tears when she gave it to me last month...

it's perfect.

The original was breathtaking, but this one had something more...

it was painted by a very precious friend.

I created this room around that painting and love it even more because I am reminded of her sweet spirit everytime I see it.Those are the details that make our homes special and unique, aren’t they?

For our homes should not be defined by the decor, they should be defined by how they make us feel. Don't you think so?

So, here we are at the end of two completed projects within 6 weeks and I've come to a funny realization.....

We now have a porch without a single terracotta pot and a dining room without a single chair.

Thank you for sharing your beautiful creations with all of us!! They are inspiring and make me have goosebumps!! Sharing your God-given talent is such a special and unselfish thing!! What beauty!! Nancy B

Your dining room is just beautiful. I love every detail but I had to leave a comment when I read about your very special painting. I too designed my dining room around a precious painting that was given to me. I think it is so special when meaningful things can be incorporated into a room and I think that is the loveliest thing of all here. Thanks for sharing!

Every single detail is perfect!! The seating- wow! Gorgeous painting, what a sweet friend! The corner cabinet is so fitting for that space. Laurie Anna, you sure know how to put it together...I'm always smitten :) Can't wait to see you in June :)

GORGEOUS, LaurieAnna! I just ADORE the way you put things together to create a warm, cozy, welcoming environment! Your dining room is absolutely perfect - and what fun that it all came together so fabulously! :)

Your room renovations rank among my favorite. They are a treat for all my senses. You truly are an inspiration for old home owners. If only we could pick up our homes and move them within walking distance! Thank you for sharing your beautiful home with us. I wish you many happy gatherings with family and friends around your perfect farm table.Your Friend,Deborah FairfieldHouseNJ.com

Laurie, this post is just beautiful, it should be in a magazine. You really pulled this all together and I just adore your centerpiece. The tufted benches are very romantic and elegant against those rougher textures!

Ummm. I don't even know where to start, or really what to say. WOW. Gorgeous! Stunning Amazing Oh So Pretty Room! I love Every Little Detail, down to the rolling backless stool/chairs! Great eye on everything in this room, it came together so perfectly!

Hello Sweetie~ ~ I love what you have done with this room. Serendipity built the room around your Dream for it! Isn't life grand? There are so many things that I love but the shelf above the picture, or should I say hugging the picture is a lovely touch. I must remember this for later on.I totally agree with your last comments about how the home makes us feel. My home is the polar opposite of yours but it makes me feel cozy and warm every time I walk in the door. I could not ask for anything more. Thanks for sharing your Joy about your home with us.~ ~Ahrisha~ ~

This room is amazing ... I love everything about it ! I think decorating a small room forces one to get creative and the result is usually interesting and unique (this room being a perfect example). I only hope to make my small rooms 1/2 as lovely. :) Francine

You have created a simply awe-inspiring dining room!!! I love so many of the features you have! I have a couple of very long, old, shutters that I'm not using, and you have given me an idea of using them inside my windows! Also, the corbels you found are amazing! I love things like that. Your home oozes lovely charm, and you should be very proud. :) I hope I can glean some fresh ideas off of you.Blessings,Leslie